Thursday 1 February 2024

We have been on the road 85 days, with 33 of these in Europe. We have visited six countries, all in the Schengen zone and despite crossing international borders – and buying “duty free” goods (well, booze actually), there have been no border formalities, checks or even a casual glance. Of course, this is how the Schengen Convention is supposed to work. Can’t wait until we hit the officious Poms at the UK border!

Lady P headed off solo today to look at architecture and design stuff, while Flashy made sure the cat was safe. Then at about 2.30 pm, he heads off into the neighbourhood to see what the effect of the strike has on the bars and the like. They were open, as were the supermarkets but not many people on the street.

It was positive Celsius today as well and we contemplated going out without all the layers. No, bad move. 2c is still cold, even if there is only half the ice about and you don’t need spikies.

Flashy lasted a couple of blocks to check out the comings and goings, then retreated to a bar for a refreshing Italian red.

We both arrive home at about the same time and Lady P enthralls me with her story of the churches, libraries and galleries she has visited and tells me that the strike doesn’t seem to have affected much of the city. Tomorrow may be different. I see on the news that Germany closed its main airport today because of strikes. My goodness, it feels like Melbourne in the good old 70’s.

At last, the Chaine des Rotisseurs event of the year is open for bookings. I’m talking about the May International Grande Chapitre, in Bordeaux. We have booked the ‘Secret Opening Dinner’ and the closing ‘Gala Dinner’.  The opening and closing events of a three day food and wine extravaganza. The price seemed OK in dollars, but it’s in Euros. Opps.. Be eating cat food for February, I reckon!

We have a large one l bottle of gin, which is about half empty/full and it will be too heavy to take to Stockholm on Saturday. Oh, the things you have to do.

Finland has cancelled most transport for the strike. This looks pretty good, though.

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